Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme: By providing a government guarantee against default by borrowers, the Scheme enables high street banks and other financial bodies to lend between £5,000 and £250,000 to new and existing businesses. The DTI underwrites 75% of the loan. So if the company failed the bank will be able to claim up to 75% back form the DTI.
Shareholders Owners of the business, someone who has bought shares on the open market if it is a quoted PLC. Or owns a stake in a limited company. They have a say in how the business is run and earn a share of the profits as a dividend.